Folding organ



June 22 I926.

. 1,589,618 P. P. BILHORN FOLDING ORGAN Filed Nov. 24, 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 by iii/E June 22,1926; 1,589,618

P. P. BILHORN FOLDING ORGAN Filed Nov. 24, 1924 3 sheets sheet 2 L1q\/ 5 131 D I June 22 1926.

P. P. BILHORN FOLDING ORGAN Filed Nov. 24. 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented June 22, 1926.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FQLJ'PING Application filed November 24, 1924.

This invention relates to folding organs of the type which are adapted to be folded nto a case for transporting the same and has for its object the provision of a compact, simple, and easily operated organ which may be quickly unfolded into operating position or folded into position for carrying. It

a further important object of this invention to provide a maximunr variation of volume of sound. It is also an object of this invention to provide a device of this kind which has a maximum rigidity and strength for a minimum of parts and weight.

Vith the above and other objects in view as will be apparent, this invention consists in the construction, combination and ar-- rangement of parts all as hereinafter more fully described, claimed and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

On the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view shoving the organ folded for transporting.

Figure 2 is a front View of the organ as unfolded and ready for playing.

Figure 3 is a vertical cross section of Figure 2.

Figures 4 and 5 are detail views of the mechanism for operating the front swell.

Figures 6 and 7 are detail views of the mechanism for operating the rear swell.

Figures 8 and 9 are detail views of the side locks for holding the organ in unfolded or open position for operation.

As shown on the drawings:

Numerals 1 and 2 represent folding sections of an organ casing. They are hinged together as shown in Figure 3 at the upper rear edge of section 2. It will be seen that section 1 is adapted to fold downward into section 2 from the position shown in said Figure 3 to that shown in Figure 1. On the upper side of section 1 as viewed in Figure 3 are hinged covers 3 and 4. The latter cover member 4: has rigidly secured thereto a projecting prong 5 the end of which is adapted to fit in a recess 6 in the upper edge of the section 1 for holding said cover in open position. The cover 3 has rigidly connected thereto extensions 7 which are adapted to abut the forward ends of slots in the board 8 for holding the cover 3 in the desired inclined position.

Within the upper section 1 as viewed in Figure 3 is the usual sound producing mech- GRGAK.

Serial No. 751,782.

anism comprising keys 9, reed boxes 10, front swell 11 and rear swell 12. Beneath said mechanism is a bellows 13 secured there to and actuated by a pedal mechanism 14. The bellows 13 and actuating mechanism 1i therefore is similar to that shown in my prior Patent No. 1,152, 17 5 of September 7, 1915. In Figures 4 and 5 shown the mechanism for actuating the front swell 11 said mechanism comprising a lever 15 which is pivoted in a hinge member 16 and is adapted to be actuated to abut av projection 17 rigidly secured to a plate 18 which is pivoted at 19 and has secured thereon a chain 20. Secured to the chain 20 is the front swell 11 which is normally held closed by the action of a spring (not shown). The manipulation of lever 15 is adapted to hold the swell 11 open permitting the air to rush out through holes 21 in the front of the organ (Figure 2).

In Figures 6 and 7 is shown the mechanism for actuating the rear swell, said mechanism comprising a lever 22 which is pivoted in a hinge member 23 and is adapted to be actuated to abut a projection 24 rigidly secured to a plate 25 which is pivoted at 26 and has pivotedly secured thereon a link member 27. The link member 27 is shaped at its rear end to slidably engage a slotted member 28 on the rear swell 12, the latter being normally held closed by the action of a spring 29 pressing forward on said link 27. The manipulation of lever 22 is adapted to hold the swell 12 open permitting the air to rush out through holes 30 on the upper side of the organ. When the cover 4 is opened a further swell is obtained as less resistance is offered to the outrushing air.

A catch member 31, as shown in general in Figure 3 and in detail in Figures 8 and 9, is used for holding the sections 1 and 2 in open position. The catch member 31 may be pressed to release the same from spring pressed engagement in a recess 32 in the lower section 2 for folding the organ.

A spring latch member 33 is shown in Figures 1 and 2 for engaging the sections 1 and 2 in closed position, said member is more fully described in my prior Patent No. 9%,? 13 of December 28, 1909.

In folding the organ for transportation it is only necessary to close the covers 3 and 4, press the'swell levers 15 and 22 inward, release the catch members 81 and lower the section 1 into the lower section 2 when the catch members 33 will engage and the organ is secured.

It will be seen that a compact folding organ is provided in which a minimum on parts are used for a maximum of ruggedness and rigidity. It will also be evident that the organ is simple and sure of opera tion. I V g It is further to be noted that by opening; the rear cover i an increase of volume is obtained through the rear swell 12.

I am aware that many changes may be made, and numerous details of construction may be varied through a wide range without departing from the principles of this invention, and I therefore do not purpose limiting the patent granted hereon, otherwise than necessitated by the prior art.

I claim as my invention:

1. A folding organ comprising a casing adapted to be unfolded to operative position, an organ mechanism "therein having a front and rear swell, a cover on said casing; normally covering thekeys of said mechanism and adapted to be opened to permit operating the same, and a second cover on said casing normally covering an opening therein communicating with said rear swell and adapted to be opened to permit accentuating said swell.

2. A folding organ comprising a casing adapted to be unfolded to operative position, an organ mechanism therein having a rear swell, a cover on said casing norn'ially covering the keys of said mechanism and adapted to be opened to permit operating the same, a second cover on saidcasing normally covering an opening therein communicating with said rear swell and adapted to be opened, and means for retaining said second cover in open position.

3. A folding organ comprising a casing adapted to be unfolded to operative position, an organ mechanism therein having a rear swell, a cover on said casing normally covering the keys of said mechanism and adapted to be opened to permit operating the same, a second cover on said casing normally covering an opening therein communicating with said rear swell and adapted to be opened, and means for retaining said second cover in open position, said means compris ing a projecting member on said second cover, said member being adapted to engage a recess in said casing.

4. A folding organ comprising a casing} adapted to be unfolded to operative position, an organ mechanism therein having a swell and actuating means therefor com prising slotted member secured to said swell, a link member adapted to slidably en ago said slotted member, means for norma ly holding said link member in retarded position, a pivoted plate member connected to said linl;, and means for actuating the pivoted member for moving said link member to open said swell.

5. A folding organ comprising a casing adapted to be unfolded to operative position, an'organ mechanism therein having a swell and actuating means therefor comprising a chain secured to said swell, said swell beii'ig normally held in closed position, a pivoted plate member connected to said chain and. means for actuating the pivoted member for moving said chain to open said swell. I

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name.

PETER P. BiLHonN. 

